Apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) 2027 - a fully funded 3-year postdoctoral fellowship for early-career researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Stage 1 concept notes are open 1 September - 1 October 2026. Selected Global Fellows receive a $75,000 annual living stipend plus up to $40,000 research funding and a full benefits package.
KGFP attracts outstanding emerging research leaders worldwide to pursue fellow-led science aligned with KAUST priorities in Water, Food, Energy, Health, AI, and Marine Science (Red Sea focus). Fellows design and lead original research from day one with Host PI mentorship and world-class campus facilities.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official KAUST Global Fellowship Program pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) - 2027 cycle |
| Host | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Type | Fully funded postdoctoral fellowship |
| Duration | 3 years (full-time, on campus) |
| Living stipend | $75,000 per year |
| Research funding | Up to $40,000 for the research proposal |
| Nationality | Open worldwide |
| Priority themes | Water, Food, Energy, Health, AI, Marine Science (Red Sea) |
| Stage 1 | Concept note: 1 September - 1 October 2026 |
| Stage 2 | Full proposal (invitation only): 15 November 2026 - 15 January 2027 |
| Official site | kgfp.kaust.edu.sa |
| Apply | KAUST Global Fellowship application portal |
What Is the KAUST Global Fellowship Program?
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program supports outstanding early-career researchers with breakthrough ideas that complement and advance KAUST’s major research priorities. In a research-first environment, Global Fellows get full access to world-class tools, facilities, and expertise, plus a strong community of excellence on KAUST’s Red Sea campus.
Unlike many postdoc roles that plug into an existing lab agenda, KGFP is built for fellow-led research: you propose original work and lead it from day one, with mentorship from a KAUST Host Principal Investigator.
Funding and Benefits
- $75,000 annual living stipend
- Up to $40,000 dedicated research funding for your proposal
- Medical insurance
- On-campus accommodation
- Schooling support for up to three children
- Relocation allowance
- Annual travel assistance
- Full access to KAUST research infrastructure and technical experts
- Professional development (e.g. mentoring programmes, Harvard HE Teaching Certificate, leadership training)
Confirm the latest benefit wording on the official fellowship page before you submit, as packages can be refined each cycle.
Who Should Apply
- Excellent early-career / postdoctoral researchers with independence and ambition
- Typically hold a PhD awarded within the last four years, or will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date (verify exact PhD-date rules on the official call)
- At least one peer-reviewed publication (confirm current publication requirements)
- Independent research proposal clearly linked to Water, Food, Energy, Health, AI, or Marine Science (Red Sea)
- Able to identify / secure a KAUST Host PI as required
- Ready to relocate to Saudi Arabia and work full-time on campus
- Open to all nationalities - women are especially encouraged
Some KAUST alumni with longer prior affiliations may be ineligible. Always read the official FAQs before investing time in Stage 1.
Research Priority Areas
- Water
- Food
- Energy
- Health
- Artificial Intelligence
- Marine Science, with emphasis on the Red Sea
Two-Stage Application Timeline (2027 cycle)
| Stage | Window |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 - Concept note | 1 September - 1 October 2026 |
| Invitation to Stage 2 | Shortlisted applicants only |
| Stage 2 - Full proposal | 15 November 2026 - 15 January 2027 |
| Selection & joining | Successful fellows relocate within the official joining window |
Missing the Stage 1 October close usually means waiting for the next cycle. Start Host PI outreach early - not in the final week.
How to Apply
- Read the programme overview on kgfp.kaust.edu.sa/fellowship.
- Shape a concise Stage 1 concept note around an independent, KAUST-aligned idea.
- Contact potential Host PIs and prepare supporting materials early.
- Submit Stage 1 via kgfp.kaust.edu.sa between 1 September and 1 October 2026.
- If invited, prepare a competitive Stage 2 full proposal for 15 November 2026 - 15 January 2027.
Application Tips
- Lead with the scientific idea, not only CV chronology
- Show why KAUST - facilities, Red Sea context, Host PI fit - is essential
- Keep Stage 1 sharp and readable; reviewers screen many concept notes quickly
- Use Stage 2 for methods, milestones, risk mitigation, and budget logic
- Double-check PhD date rules, publication criteria, and alumni eligibility before applying
Official Links
Apply - KAUST Global Fellowship Program
Contact: KGFP@kaust.edu.sa
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 (Saudi Arabia)
- UNU-WIDER Visiting Scholars Programme - Fall 2026
- Berenson Fellowship 2027 - 2028 at Harvard
- Melbourne Visiting Fellowship 2027
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) 2027
Is it fully funded?
Yes. The package includes a $75,000 yearly stipend, up to $40,000 research funding, medical insurance, on-campus housing, schooling support for up to three children, relocation allowance, and annual travel assistance.
When is the Stage 1 deadline?
Concept notes close 1 October 2026 (window opens 1 September 2026).
How long is the fellowship?
Three years, full-time and on site at KAUST in Saudi Arabia.
Which fields are eligible?
Priority themes are Water, Food, Energy, Health, Artificial Intelligence, and Marine Science with a Red Sea focus.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. All nationalities may apply, provided they can meet Saudi residency and work-permit requirements to join on campus.
Do I need a Host PI?
Yes - mentorship from a KAUST Host PI is central to the model. Confirm Host PI requirements and timing on the official call before Stage 1.
